William P. "Bill" VanNatta

Published On: May 20 2013 06:13:20 AM CDT

William “Bill” Peter VanNatta, 54, of Platteville, passed away Friday, May 17, 2013, at his home, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Platteville. Father Faustino Ruiz will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a parish rosary at 2:45 p.m., or from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the William P. VanNatta Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Bill was born on April 23, 1959, in Platteville, WI, son of George and Marie VanNatta. He was raised in Belmont in a large, loving family. Bill graduated from Belmont High School in 1977 and enjoyed sports and hanging out with his family and friends. His family remembers him as the “jock” in the family. His passion for sports would provide many opportunities for recreation later in life.

He married his high school sweetheart, Tammie Louise McCabe, on May 11, 1979, at St. Mary’s Church in Platteville. Bill and his devoted wife Tammie raised two children, Ryan VanNatta of Platteville and Emily (Brian) Wolf of Muscatine, IA. He was blessed with three beautiful granddaughters who were the love of his life: Ruby and Sophie VanNatta and Elaina Wolf. His family meant a lot to him and loved them dearly.

Bill worked at Heinrichs Roofing in Belmont, AMPI Dairy in Platteville, and Advance Transformer in both Platteville and Monroe until being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1997. He was a hard worker and always looked to help anyone in need. After marriage, Bill lived in Platteville with his wife. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church and Belmont Sportsmen Club. His passion for hunting allowed him to serve his community and club by being their Treasurer.

Prior to his diagnosis he was an avid hunter and sportsman and enjoyed all outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, playing recreational softball, basketball, and bowling. As his disease progressed and limited his ability, he still hunted on the days he felt good. Bill enjoyed reading and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters. Everyone who knew Bill knew what an excellent cook and baker he was. He was an enthusiastic Packer and Brewer fan, even catching a few games in person. He loved to talk sports trivia with his family. He always had a quick smile that would light up his face.

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